Four trainers were honoured by the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association (JRTA) for their long and meritorious service to horse racing at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

This is in keeping with the JRTA's tradition of honouring select members on its annual race day. Four years ago, the association honoured three women trainers, including Jamaica's first lady of racing, Eileen Cliggott, who passed away on October 15 (Heroes Day) at age 90. The others were Emma Chen and Margaret Parchment.

On this occasion, the honourees were trainers' association president and former Member of Parliament, Vin Edwards, O.D., Noel Ennevor, Ivanhoe 'Skit' Williams and 14-time champion Philip Feanny, O.D., who was not present.

Feanny left the island for Puerto Rico last Thursday to see his charge, RUM TALK, run in the Caribbean Classic on Sunday afternoon. In his absence, trainer Donovan Bruce accepted the award (a plaque) on his behalf.

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Edwards, who on October 15 was conferred with the National Honour, the Order of Distinction (O.D.), for services to horse racing and community service, said: "Although I received a national honour in October, this one is no less important to me. It is good to be honoured by your peers, even moreso in the company of a Feanny, Ennevor and a 'Skit' Williams. Their contribution to the training profession cannot be overstated."

The plaques were presented to the trainers by executive members of the JRTA inside the winners' enclosure shortly after the ninth race for the JRTA Trophy over 1200 metres.

- O. C.